There’s a new constellation among socially conscious business leaders – The Star Networking Group.
The idea of an ongoing networking group to bring together established leading men and women of business is the concept of The Queens Courier family of newspapers.
“The Star Networking Group stems from the three major events run by the Courier – the “Kings of Queens,” “Top Women in Business” and “Rising Stars,” said co-publisher Joshua Schneps.
“The networking events allow us the opportunity to bring together current and past honorees from over the last eight years, along with their guests and group members, to get to know one another better in a casual setting.”
With the sponsorship of The Queens Courier and TD Bank, the first in a regular series of these confabs was held on Thursday, March 4 on the tres chic rooftop garden “Penthouse808” of the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City.
“It was fabulous,” exclaimed Margaret Vitale, an Assistant Vice President with the bank. “Not only is it a great way to relax, but I met new people in a new place that I may not have found on my own.”
Hotelier – 2010 Rising Star – Ravi Patel was excited to be hosting the first of these soirees. “When we opened last May, it was my goal to provide a hotel experience in Queens on a par with a Four Seasons,” Patel said.
Three out of every four rooms in the 63-room hotel at 8-08 Queens Plaza South have balconies with magnificent views – but none quite match the expansive vista from the rooftop garden. “Magnificent, isn’t it,” Patel said with pride. “What better place to meet?”
A portion of the proceeds – $1,230 to be exact – was donated to Partners in Health for Haiti. Even the wait staff got into the Star spirit and donated their tips to the cause.
And, at a check presentation on Wednesday, March 17, Patel generously gave an additional $967 – bringing the grand total donation to $2,197.
“These networking events serve the primary purpose of the Queens Courier family of newspapers, as a vehicle to better the community and bring together businesses to foster commerce,” Schneps said. “The Star Networking Group also supports the community by acting as a fundraiser,” he added
“These events are great opportunities to meet like-minded individuals with a passion for doing business in Queens,” said 2009 Rising Star Warren Woodberry. “Oftentimes, business owners don’t have time to socialize – I had a fabulous time – it’s a chance to take a break from a very busy work schedule.”
The next major networking event will be on Thursday, April 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., when The Queens Courier will host the “Top Women in Business” Networking Awards Dinner at Terrace on the Park, which includes a Business Expo.
Last year’s event drew more than 900 top business leaders in Queens. For participation opportunities, call 718-224-5863, Ext. 226 or email mromero@queenscourier.com.
